The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are some of the most remote, rugged and beautiful within the British Isles. Bigger than Belgium, they account for over fifty per cent of Scotland but have a tiny total population. Living in one of the most isolated regions in Europe, you’d expect to be without some of the modern conveniences we take for granted, and popping out to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster is probably one of them. Even if you’re prepared to travel, there are just not that many towns in the region big enough to justify their own cinema. Apart from the more cosmopolitan Inverness (population 15,000), there are only a handful of others with a permanent cinema and many of the Islands: Western Isles, Shetland and most of the Inner Hebrides don’t have any. However, just because a community is tiny and remote doesn’t mean that they can’t, and shouldn’t, have access to popular culture. As Highlands and Islands Arts Ltd (HI-Arts) say, cinema is important, ‘To strengthen community identity and confidence, and also to increase understanding and appreciation of film as a medium.’